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Hi, My Wife Had A Headache For Two Days Which

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Posted on Thu, 4 Feb 2021
Question: Hi,

My wife had a headache for two days which was likely related to menstrual period.

She took iron supplements alternate days with each dose being equivalent to 24mg iron with 200mg ascorbic vitamin C.

She appears to be suffering cramps in the stomach area now. Can the mild iron supplements cause cramps? Or are these still more likely related to menstrual cramps? Are there any medications either OTC or subscription or supplements which can relieve stomach cramping?


Thankyou,
Regards.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Side effect of elemental iron...Switch to iron polypeptide.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for choosing "Ask a Doctor" service for your query,
Have seen your details,
Cramps in stomach or Gastric upset is the most common side effect of iron supplement.
Give her Iron polypeptide tablets 8 mg daily to avoid this side effect of elemental iron.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (43 hours later)
Thankyou Dr. XXXXXXX

I am having difficulty finding iron polypeptide supplements in Australia and it may not be commonly taken yet.

Would you have an opinion on another iron supplement Maltofer which is also said to have fewer side effects? Should iron supplements be taken in liquid form if possible?


Regards.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
In that case Ferric ammonium citrate should be used(ask you local pharmacy for brand name).
Whether liquid or in tablet form does not make any difference.
Liquid form unnecessarily is loaded with sugar syrup to add taste.
Follow ups are welcome.
Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (40 hours later)
Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX

I have been able to find Heme Iron Polypeptide supplements online and will certainly try them.

Must say cost is high but if they can help avoid unpleasant side effects it will be worth it.


Thankyou and regards.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Yes they are costly because they are latest and usually no gastric side effects are caused by them.
Thanks
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2907 Questions

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Hi, My Wife Had A Headache For Two Days Which

Brief Answer: Side effect of elemental iron...Switch to iron polypeptide. Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for choosing "Ask a Doctor" service for your query, Have seen your details, Cramps in stomach or Gastric upset is the most common side effect of iron supplement. Give her Iron polypeptide tablets 8 mg daily to avoid this side effect of elemental iron. Thank you.